Tag: Preliminary PET

Rise in Household Waste over Holiday Period

B1 – Intermediate

The holiday season is a time when people celebrate with family and friends. Many people buy gifts, prepare special food, and decorate their homes. Because of this, there are more trash during the holidays. A lot of waste comes from food packaging, gift wrapping, and unused items. This situation can have a negative effect on the environment if people are not careful. Learning how to reduce, reuse, and recycle can help protect the planet amidst holiday celebrations.

Read the full article to learn more about how holiday waste affects the environment and what simple actions people can take to reduce it.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260101-holiday-waste.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “get-together” mean? “There are many holidays around the end of the year. These involve parties, family get-togethers, and the giving of gifts.”
    Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  2. What does “household waste” mean? “The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by 25 per cent over the holiday period.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  3. What does “experience over stuff” mean? “She said one idea was to buy ‘experiences over stuff’.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed the same problem with garbage in your country during the holidays?
  2. Did you and your family create a lot of waste last holiday season?
  3. How do you avoid producing waste during celebrations?
  4. What are the recycling rules like in your city? Are they easy to follow?

Asylum Seekers Use Taxis to Go to the Doctors

B1 – Intermediate 

A BBC investigation found that asylum seekers would take taxis to go to the doctor. This costs the UK government more or less 15.8 million pounds every year.

The British government will be prohibiting transferring them by taxis starting February 2026 in an effort to reduce the government’s cost on the asylum seekers’ medical appointment transfers. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript on asylum seekers’ systematic use of cabs for visiting their doctor’s appointments costing the UK Home Office millions of pounds per year.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/asylum-seekers-use-taxis-to-go-to-the-doctors-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “asylum seeker” mean? “Ministers hope that requiring asylum seekers to use public transport for routine medical needs will significantly reduce this expense.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to root out” mean? “Although the ban targets medical transport specifically, ministers intend to extend the principle of using taxis only in exceptional circumstances across all asylum accommodation transfers to root out waste.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “expose” mean? “This policy change follows a BBC investigation that exposed systematic use of cabs, including extreme examples such as a 250-mile journey for a GP visit, costing the Home Office 600 pounds.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about banning asylum seekers to use taxis to go to their doctor appointments. Do you agree or disagree with it? Explain.
  2. Share your insight on this, “Transport costs for asylum seekers, which the government has confirmed averages 15.8 million pounds (more than 18 million euros) per year.”
  3. What is your opinion about requiring asylum seekers to use public transport for routine medical needs?
  4. Is there a similar problem in your country? Talk about it.
  5. What kind of help or assistance does your country offer to asylum seekers?

Greece Is the Best Place to Retire 

B1 – Intermediate 

It has become very common for older people to live abroad in their golden years. They choose to spend their retirement years in another country.

Some factors they consider when choosing a place to retire in are climate, the cost of living, healthcare, and housing. 

International Living magazine released its Annual Global Retirement Index and named Greece as the best place to live in during a person’s sunset years.

Read the article about Greece as the best country to retire in the whole world.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251204-retiring-in-greece.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overseas” mean? “More and more people are choosing to spend their retirement overseas.” Use the word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “retiree” mean? “It is the first time Greece has been the number-one choice for retirees.” Use the word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “in every sense” mean? “Greece had what many people were looking for. The country was beautiful, welcoming, and affordable. It offered a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”  Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Greece being the best place to retire?
  2. In general, what would make a place a very good place to retire in?
  3. Climate, the cost of living, healthcare, and housing are the most important things for older people who want to live in another country. Which one among these four factors do you think is the most important and why?
  4. In your opinion, where is the best place to retire and why?
  5. What do you think about retiring overseas?

Ozempic 2.0 Weight Loss Pill

B1 – Intermediate 

Pharmaceutical companies are working as quickly as they can to release a pill version of Ozempic, the widely-used weight loss drug. It is believed that the drug now being dubbed as Ozempic 2.0 will be changing the game not only for those with diabetes, but also those who want to lose some weight.

Read the article about Ozempic 2.0.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251201-ozempic-weight-loss-pill-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “game-changing” mean in this sentence, “A new generation of game-changing weight-loss drugs could be launched next year.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to move with urgency toward something” mean? “We are moving with urgency toward global regulatory submissions to potentially meet the needs of patients.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a similar expression.
  3. What does “redefine” mean? “If approved, we are ready to offer a convenient, once-daily pill that can be scaled globally, removing barriers and redefining how obesity is treated around the world.” Give a synonym and use the word “redefine” in a sentence. Also, give another meaning of “redefine”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ozempic 2.0? What are its pros and cons?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “When approved, Ozempic 2.0 will offer a convenient, once-daily pill that can be scaled globally, removing barriers and redefining how obesity is treated around the world.”?
  3. Share your opinion about pharmaceutical companies working as fast as they can to produce the pill version of Ozempic. 
  4. In general, what do you think about weight loss pills? 
  5. What are other ways people can lose weight?

Music Helps with Quicker Recovery after Surgery

B1 – Intermediate 

A study done by doctors at Maulana Azad Medical College in India found that when music is played during surgery, it can help a lot with the patients’ faster recovery.

The patients feel less pain. Thereby, needing less painkillers. In addition, they wake up sooner after the surgery and they are also more alert after the operation is finished.

Read the article about how music can help patients recover more quickly after a surgery.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2511/251127-music-therapy-anaesthesia.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “discharge” mean in this sentence, “Our aim is early discharge after surgery.” Use the word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “discharge”.
  2. What does “clear-headed” mean? “Our aim is early discharge after surgery. Patients need to wake up clear-headed, alert, and ideally pain-free.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define “pain management”. “She said music helps pain management and reduces patients’ stress after they wake up.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on how helpful music is to patients having a surgery?
  2. In general, what do you think about the use of music therapy in pain management?
  3. What are other ways patients can recover quickly from a surgery?
  4. How can you help someone after they had a surgery?
  5. Share about a time music helped you or someone you know heal or recover.

Real-Time Translation Could End Need to Learn Languages

B1 – Intermediate 

Apple has launched a new technology that could change the way we learn languages and how we communicate across the world. Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages real-time while the earbuds are in the user’s ears.

This is expected to change language learning and global communication. It could end the need to learn foreign languages.

Read the article about Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds that is capable of instant translation and transcription.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2510/251006-real-time-translation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “outlay” mean? “Instant translation could deter people from investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “seamlessly” mean? “Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate “seamlessly” in other languages.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to get in the way” mean? “For those moments when a language barrier gets in the way, Live Translation can help users communicate across select languages when messaging or speaking.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this gadget’s instant translation feature?
  2. What are the pros and cons of this kind of device?
  3. Would you be more interested to use this earbud rather than to learn a foreign language the traditional way? Why?
  4. Share your thoughts on this: The (instant translation) technology is another example of science fiction becoming science fact.
  5. Talk about other examples of science fiction that have already become reality.

Superman #1 the Most Expensive Comic

B1 – Intermediate 

It was in 1939 when the comic book Superman # 1 first came out. It started the genre of superhero comics. Superman No. 1 went on to become the inspiration for many other superheroes that followed.

A copy of the first Superman comic that is in perfect condition belonged to three brothers who found it after 86 years of just collecting dust in their late mother’s house.

At an auction, it was sold for $9.12 million.

Read the article about Superman #1 comic selling for $9.12 million at an auction.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2511/251124-superman-comic-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is an “auction”? “A pristine copy of the very first self-titled Superman comic has been sold at auction for $9.12 million.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “blueprint” mean here, “Superman No. 1 became the blueprint for today’s modern superheroes.” Use the word in a sentence. What’s another meaning of “blueprint”?
  3. What does “mint condition” mean? “Mint condition copies are very rare because many people cut off the front cover to use as a poster.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts about the story of the three brothers and them finding this comic at their late mother’s house after 86 years.
  2. What do you think about the amount of money that this comic was sold for?
  3. What are your thoughts on this comic being the “pinnacle of comic collecting?
  4. Do you like collecting? Why or why not?
  5. If there is one piece of pop culture history that you could have, what would it be and why?
  6. What is the most priceless thing you own and why is it so valuable for you?

Japan Emergency Plan to Stop Bear Attacks

B1 – Intermediate 

Due to a series and increasing number of bear attacks in Japan, the government had to come up with emergency measures to lower the number of humans’ encounters with bears that have led to deaths and injuries.

Read the article about Japan’s emergency measures to address increasing bear attacks in some parts of the country.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2511/251117-japanese-bear-attacks.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to address” mean in this context, “Japan’s government has created emergency measures to address record numbers of bear attacks.” Use the word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to devise” mean? “Wildlife management experts have devised a plan to reduce the increasing numbers of fatalities, injuries, and encounters with bears.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is a “buffer zone”? “Authorities will also set up a buffer zone in many areas.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what are the reasons for the growth in bear populations in Japan? Discuss the three reasons.
  2. What are the measures that the Japanese government created to address the problem with bear attacks?
  3. What is your reaction to the rising bear attacks in Japan?
  4. Have you ever had a similar problem with bears in your own country? Talk about it.

iCloud Costs Too Much

B1 – Intermediate 

If you own any Apple device, then you are familiar with iCloud. iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage service where your data like photos, files, notes, and passwords are stored and synced across all your devices.

As of 2025, the price plan on iCloud is somewhere around € 0.99 for 50 GB of cloud storage to € 59.99 for 12 TB. 

In 2024, the UK consumer group, Which? filed a £3 billion class-action lawsuit against Apple accusing the company of making it difficult for its customers to use other third-party cloud storage services. They get trapped in Apple’s ecosystem  and continuously have to pay for additional storage every time.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Which?’s collective claim against Apple, alleging that the company overcharges for iCloud storage.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/icloud-costs-too-much-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “payout” mean? “Which? estimates the claim could lead to a 3-billion-pound payout, with individuals possibly receiving around 70 pounds each.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “discourage” mean? “The consumer group ’Which?’ argues that Apple’s actions violate competition laws by limiting customer choices and discouraging alternatives.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “collective claim” mean?  “This lawsuit, along with others targeting tech giants like Facebook and Google, uses a newer legal mechanism allowing collective claims.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this lawsuit?
  2. Do you think Apple’s actions violate competition laws? Explain.
  3. What do you think about iCloud’s prices?
  4. Share your opinion about having to pay for cloud storage every month.
  5. Talk about your devices’ storage.

Effects of Gold Mining in the Amazon on the Health of Indigenous Babies

B1 – Intermediate 

Mercury is used in mining gold. This chemical contaminates the Amazon River. Fish from the river accumulate mercury. The fish becomes food to the indigenous people living near the rivers.

Pregnant women absorb mercury that could be passed on to their babies. This results to severe neurological disorders among some children.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the serious health crisis among babies caused by illegal gold mining in the Amazon.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/amazon-gold-mining-and-childrens-health-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “food chain”? “Miners use mercury to extract gold, but the chemical contaminates rivers and the food chain.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What is “starvation”? “The communities face a moral and survival dilemma: obey health warnings or continue eating contaminated fish to avoid starvation.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “direct causal link” mean? “Establishing a direct causal link is difficult because other factors, like genetics or infections, could contribute to disorders.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the link between gold mining and severe neurological disorders in babies in the Amazon.
  2. Share your opinion about this news.
  3. How can the government protect the indigenous communities’ health in the Amazon?
  4. Share your opinion about this: The indigenous communities face a moral and survival dilemma: obey health warnings or continue eating contaminated fish to avoid starvation.
  5. Talk about some health and ecological impacts of mercury in the environment.